Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is all set to represent Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the upcoming IPL 2025 after being acquired for a whopping INR 18 crore at the mega auction.
Despite delivering three impressive years with Rajasthan Royals (RR) and being the most successful bowler in IPL history, Yuzvendra Chahal was not retained, and Punjab Kings broke the bank for him at the mega auction.
With 205 wickets to his name in 160 matches in the IPL so far, Chahal has already cemented his legacy as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament. He had won the Purple Cap for his outstanding performance in the Rajasthan Royals’ final journey in the 2022 season.
Yes, I deserve this price: Yuzvendra Chahal
Now, the 34-year-old is eager to justify his hefty price tag and prove his worth on the field. Reflecting on his price tag at the mega auction, Chahal admitted to feeling nervous, but he believes that he deserved the massive deal with the Punjab Kings.
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Yuzvendra Chahal was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times, “I missed the first few minutes of the auction because I was very nervous. The auction is like that. You don’t know what price you will go for or which team. Lots of thoughts come to your mind. I am happy I am going to be closer to home. When I asked myself, I got a reply from inside, “Yes, I deserve this price’.”
The Indian leg-spinner is known for his wide range of variations, including leg-breaks, multiple types of googlies, and the flipper. However, Chahal said that success in T20 cricket is about making the right decisions in crucial moments, but confidence and trust in one’s skill matter most.
Yuzvendra Chahal opens up about his variations
Chahal added, “I’ve got four variations (leg-spinner, two forms of googlies, flipper). I trust them. The most important thing is belief. On the ground, how you respond to match situations is what matters. That’s where you decide when to go for wickets and when to stop the runs.”
The Indian spinner has faced many hard-hitting batters over the years, but when it comes to the toughest challenges, South African power hitter Heinrich Klaasen and West Indies’ explosive batter Nicholas Pooran are the toughest batters to bowl to.
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The Indian leg-spinner knows all too well how dangerous they can be, with their sheer power turning even mistimed shots into sixes, but he never lets names or reputations affect his mindset. He believes that overthinking an opponent’s stature only adds unnecessary pressure, so he deals with them smartly.
Yuzvendra Chahal names the toughest batters to bowl
Chahal signed off by saying, “Heinrich Klaasen is one and Nicolas Pooran is another. They have so much power that sometimes even the edges go for sixes. They are the ones who are challenging.”
